onetimeonly95 wrote:I got into IU-B with 90k and on wait lists at Cornell and Vandy. My problem is this: I want to work in NY, NJ, or BOS (i'm also trying to convince myself on chicago) but i'm guessing IU-B will give me a minimal chance of doing so...

Of course I am holding out for Cornell and Vandy but, if these don't work out, then would it be dumb to turn down such a great offer and retake? I'm not so sure I can do better on my LSAT the second time around realistically speaking, so I'm thinking that I should take what I can get.

Sticky situation, no doubt. Without considering anything else, IUB w/ 90k isn't a bad place to be, by any means. However, you seem set on the NE and IUB isn't going to afford you great job prospects in that region. Even Chicago is tough to break into for IUB graduates, ITE. So, would it be dumb to turn down the offer and retake? If you are set on the NE, absolutely not - there is no reason to just settle for IUB. Like I said, however, I don't think anyone would call you foolish for taking IUB's offer, as long as you know the kind of job prospects you are looking at and you are okay with that.

I'm more of an urban guy. All my friends, family, and gf live in the new england/mid atlantic area so I would like to be close. Do any ny/new england firms come to OCI at all? Or would I have to do some head hunting myself? I am URM so maybe diversity programs would be available?

Attend Indiana University at Bloomington for your first year & try to make law review and top 10% of your class, then a lot of doors will open for you. If you finish in the top 25% of your first year at Indiana University, you can transfer if you still think that you would be better situated at a higher ranked law school in the Northeast.Curious as to your GPA & LSAT score if you are willing to share that info.

CanadianWolf wrote:Attend Indiana University at Bloomington for your first year & try to make law review and top 10% of your class, then a lot of doors will open for you. If you finish in the top 25% of your first year at Indiana University, you can transfer if you still think that you would be better situated at a higher ranked law school in the Northeast.Curious as to your GPA & LSAT score if you are willing to share that info.

CanadianWolf wrote:[strike]Attend Indiana University at Bloomington for your first year & try to make law review and top 10% of your class, then a lot of doors will open for you. If you finish in the top 25% of your first year at Indiana University, you can transfer if you still think that you would be better situated at a higher ranked law school in the Northeast.[/strike]Curious as to your GPA & LSAT score if you are willing to share that info.

25% chance. Also the original poster has no other timely options. But if the OP doubts that he can do extremely well at Indiana, then I agree that it would be better to be in the top 50% of his class at Fordham, GWU or another highly regarded Northeastern law school than top 33% at Indiana for employment in the major Eastern US cities.

Last edited by CanadianWolf on Wed May 26, 2010 12:48 pm, edited 2 times in total.

If he does well at Indiana, clerkship/internship/externship opportunities will open up--especially if he makes law review. A high class rank from Indiana University should open up federal government employment opportunities as well, although some--such as AUSA, I believe--require two years work experience after graduating law school.The OP may have URM status that is sought by IU.

Last edited by CanadianWolf on Wed May 26, 2010 12:49 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Four Star General Life Lesson Advice: "A bird in the hand...". The OP has no other timely, realistic option.@TheBigMediocre: No, just a different perspective. I graduated law school before you were born & have learned from experience. My opinion is that much of the advice proffered on this website by college seniors & first year law students is unrealistic & uninformed. The typical advice given here suggests that if one isn't attending a top 14, or top 12, law school, then he or she is doomed to failure; and that the only measure of success for law students is to work for "biglaw" or get a federal clerkship. Many of the most successful attorneys that I know did not attend even top 20 law schools. Although I will agree that if one is seeking biglaw employment then the best chances are clearly from the most elite law schools. Give yourself 10 or 20 years experience, then see what you think of my advice.

What you have to do is consider what you want with your degree and where you want to be. If Indiana can provide that for you then go. If it can't then don't. DO NOT count on being the top of your class so you can transfer.

If you decide you cannot get what you want, job/money/family/etc, from IUB then I would say take a year off and retake the LSAT if you think you can do better, and apply only to places that will fit your needs. If you want NE I would argue Rutgers, Seton Hall, Brooklyn and similar schools provide you with better paths to get you where and what you want than IUB.

CanadianWolf wrote:Attend Indiana University at Bloomington for your first year & try to make law review and top 10% of your class, then a lot of doors will open for you. If you finish in the top 25% of your first year at Indiana University, you can transfer if you still think that you would be better situated at a higher ranked law school in the Northeast.Curious as to your GPA & LSAT score if you are willing to share that info.

So OP should bet ~$20k that he's in the top 25%? Odds are 3 to 1 against. That's a lot of money to bet on slim odds.